Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato displays drugs at the Prosecutor's Office in April. A new detox center opened in the county Wednesday. / Press File Photo

Written by

@brettbodner

Stay in the know

Visit APP.com/heroin for complete coverage of the heroin epidemic at the Jersey Shore.

More

ADVERTISEMENT

TOMS RIVER — Last year, 112 people in Ocean County lost their lives from drug overdoses, officials said. Starting in mid-February, people who struggle with drug addiction will have a new place that they can turn to for help.

“It oozes quality and importantly it provides a solution to a problem, at least the beginning of a solution,” Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato said. “It’s a small step, but it’s a great step.”

Sunrise Detox is a 38-bed treatment center that will be open around-the-clock. The 16,000-square-foot facility includes an on-site chef, chiropractic services, spa and transportation services, said John F. Moriarty III, marketing director for Sunrise Detox in the Northeast.

“We’re looking to contribute to the community any way we can, and we’re looking forward to being a resource for the community,” Moriarty said.

The daily rate for the detox center is $1,700, however, scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis, according to Moriarty.

So far this year, there have been six heroin-related deaths in Ocean County, according to Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the county Prosecutor’s Office. Four of the deaths were directly related to heroin, while the other two were a combination of heroin and prescription drugs.

Of the 112 overdose deaths in the county, a majority were heroin related, Della Fave said.

The most recent death happened early Wednesday in Brick, where authorities suspect a 45-year-old man overdosed, Della Fave said.

Coronato has been trying to combat the problem in a number of ways.

The Prosecutor’s Office runs a prescription drop-off program in which families can dispose of unneeded medication, such as Valium, so children in the household aren’t tempted to try a pill. Funeral home directors also hand out cards to families to remind them to dispose of any unused prescription medication from the deceased, and Prosecutor’s Office detectives respond to every overdose to try to find the drug dealer.

Sunrise, which is based in Palm Beach County, Fla., operates a similar facility in Morris County. Moriarty expects another detox facility will open in Cherry Hill later in the year.

More than 400 people attended the opening Wednesday, including Coronato; Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher; state Sen. Robert Singer, R-Ocean; county Freeholders Joseph H. Vicari and Gerry Little, and county Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy.

Coronato said the facility is expected to start admitting clients in mid-February.

“You need this essential tool to make a difference with the drug problem in the community,” Coronato said. “I think ultimately you’ll save a life, and that’s what it’s all about.”